Furnace



Y W. K. BOOTH.

FURNACE- APPLlCAflON FILED DEC-26, 1919.

Patented Apr. 26,1921.

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W.IK. BOOTH.

FURNACE- APPLICATION FILED DEC. 26,1919.

Patented Apr. 26

1921. 2 SHEETSSHET 2.

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WILLIAM K. BOOTH, OF CHICAGO, ILLINGIS, ASSIGNOR TO THE BOOTH FURNACE (30., OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A

ELECTRIC CORFORATION OF ILLINOIS.

runnnon Specification of Letters Patent.

1 '0 all whom it may concern Be it known that T, WILLIAM K. Boo'rH, a citizen of the United States, residing at hicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented a new and useful Tmprovenient in Furnaces, of which the following is a specification.

The present invention relates to the equipment of furnaces adapted for melting metals, or adapted for metallurgical work, with discharge spouts.

The primary object is to provide a furnace of the character indicated with improved means for controlling the discharge of the molten contents of the furnace.

The invention finds an exceedingly useful application to rotary or oscillating furnaces of the type disclosed in my application No. 274,721, filed in the United States Patent flflice February 3, 1919.

The invention is illustrated, in its preferred embodiment, in the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 represents a broken vertical sectional view of a furnace of the rotary or oscillating type, showing the end of the furnace equipped with the improved device; Fig. 2, a sectional view taken as indicated at line 2 of Fig.1, and showing details of the means for operating the valve, or plug, employed; Fig. 8, a sectional view taken as indicated at line 3 of Fig. 1; 4-, a broken sectional view taken as indicated at line 4 of Fig. 3, and showing a detail of the means for securing the combination discharge spout and valve to the furnace wall; and Fig. 5, a view corresponding with 3. but showing a modification of the discharge spout.

In the type of furnace in connection with which the invention is illustrated, a cylindrical furnace-body is employed, which is equipped with annular supporting tracks mounted on rollers constituting a part of the mechanism for supporting the furnace and rotating or oscillating the furnace about its longitudinal axis; and such furnaces are equipped with axially disposed electrodes which extend through the end walls of the furnace and are carried by electrode clamps adjustably mounted on suitable electrode f ames with which the end walls of the furnace are equipped.

Referring to Figs. 1 to d, inclusive, A represents the furnace-body; and B, the combination discharge spout and valve ,demountably carried by an end wall thereof.

in the illustration given, the furnace-body comprises a cylindrical steel shell 1; end walls 2 (one shown); a lining 3 of refractory material; heat insulation material, such as kieselguhr, 4, interposed between the shell and refractory lining; annular supporting tracks 5 (one shown); and annular contact members 6 (one shown) encircling the furnace-body.

As thus described, prises an annular hearth with end-retaining walls, the melting chamber being designated 7. Also, in the construction shown, the furnace is provided at one end with an axial charging opening 8, through which the charge of material may be introduced, and through which one of the electrodes 9 may extend. The electrode 9 is carried by an electrode clamp 9 which is connected, by a flexible conductor 10, with the annular contact member 6. The electrode clamp at one epd of the furnace may be carried by a frame mounted on the charging door, as illustrated in the above-mentioned application, this feature not being illustrated in the present drawings, however.

The annular contact members 6 are insulated with respect to the shell 1, as shown, and are engaged by local contact members, or brushes, 11, which are connected with the conductors 12 of a local partial electric circuit provided with means for supplying electric energy to the brushes 11. As the furnace rotates, or oscillates, therefore, the annular contact members 6 carried thereby are energized and the current passes through the conductors 10 to the electrodes 9, and the heat isgenerated at an are between the inner ends of the electrodes in the usual manner.

The metal end wall 2 of the furnacebody which is illustrated comprises a spider 5 having the annular tracks 5 formed integrally therewith; and heavy metal plates 5 secured to said spider, as by means of cap screws 5. As shown, the spider comprises a central ring 5 and radial ribs 5 connecting the ring 5 and the annular track 5. The central ring 5 affords a support for the charging door (not shown), and between two of the radial ribs 5 and near the inner ends thereof extends a web 5 this web being formed integrally with the flanges 5 of the spider, to which the plates 5 are bolted. The

Patented Apr. 266, 19231.

the furnace-body com corresponding plate 5 has its upper portion cut away, as shown in Fig. 8; and said plate and the web 5 'are provided with a perforation through which extends an annular plug, or insert, 12, which is accommodated by a recess 12 in the end wall of the refractory lining 3. 7 At the annular corner of the melting chamber 7 there is provided a discharge opening 13 which extends through the end-portion of the refractory lining 3, and through the refractory insert member 12. This discharge opening is provided with an enlarged orifice 13 at the outer portion of the insert member 12, and at the base of this enlarged orifice is a valve-seat 13. It will be noted from Fig. -1 that the member 12 thus affords a projecting lip 13, over which the metal can discharge into the spout, in the pouring operation.

The device B preferably comprises a metal mounting which is formed with a spout 1 1 and a valve-stem guide 1 a rotatable and withdrawable valve-stem 15 equipped with a removable carborundum plug-tip 15 an extension 15 of the valvestem which is equipped with a hand-wheel 15 for rotating the plug valve; and a lever 16 which is adapted to force the plug inwardly, and effect withdrawal.

The construction is such as to enable the plug valve to be rotated while inward force is being applied by means of the lever 16, so that the carborundum tip can grind for itself a suitable valveseat at the end off; tip. The valve may be rotated, also, to effect release from any frozen metal, and the lever may then be employed to retract the valve.

The spout-portion 14 of the mounting is provided with a lining 14 of refractory material. The casting comprising the mounting has a circular base-portion of hollow form and provided with an annular flange 14: which is of larger diameter than the insert member 12 and eccentrically placed with relation thereto. The base-portion, including the flange, is off-set as indi cated at 14, so that the upper portion of the flange will bear against the insert member 12 and raised surface of the web 5 while the lower portion of the flange will bear against the plate 5 As noted on Fig. 3, the off-set points 1 1 occur where the inner edge of the annular flange 1d crosses the circle of the insert member. 12, so that the lower portion of the annular base of the mounting will embrace the lower portion of the insert member 12, so that the lip 13- will project somewhat into the up per portion of the spout, as clearly appears in Fig. 1.

The base-portion of the mounting is provided at its upper edge with an interlock lug l l which engages a recess 1'? in the ring 5 of the spider 2. At points approximately 120 from the interlock lug 1 1 the base-portion of the mounting is equipped with lugs 1 1 which are engaged by slotted clips 18, which are adjustably secured, by means of bolts 19, to guides 20 with which the plate 5 is equipped. As shown in Figs. 3 and 1, these fastening clips 18 are radially movable, and serve to secure the mounting to the furnace-wall after the lug 14 has been entered in the recess 17.

The guide 1 9 for the valve-stem constitutes a tubular projection which extends outwardly from the upper portion of the spout. The extension 15 of the valve-stem is provided with an annular groove 21, which is engaged by a bifurcation, or yoke, 16", with which the lower end of the lever 16 is provided. The outer end of the guide 1 is equipped with a standard 22 with which the lever 16 is connected by a link The lever is provided with a vertical slot 16 through which extends a link, or rod, 24, whose front end is connected, by a pivot to the upper end of the standard 22. The link, or rod, 24, extends through. a perforation in a headless bolt 26, which passes through the lever and is equipped with a nut 27 provided with a handle 27 By this means, the link 24 may be clamped in the slot 16 of tie lever to hold the valve in its inwardly forced position. The standard 22 is provided at its lower end with a clamping ring 22 by means of which the standard is demountably secured upon the guide 1 1 From the description given, it will be understood that the valve may be readily removed from its guide to enable the carborundum tip 15 to be renewed, if necessary; also, the spout can be readily removed from the furnace wall to enable the lining to be renewed, or to enable necessary repairs to be made. Another advantage is that the spout may be removed and preparatorily heated before the pouring operation is performed, so that the spout will not chill the metal passing therethrough. If desired, the spout may be detached from the fur nace during the ordinary operation of the furnace, the hole 13 being closed by a plug of fireclay; and the-spout may be preparatorily heated and then applied before the pouring operation.

Tn the modification shown in Fig. 5, B represents the spout device. The construction is the same as has been described, except that the discharge portion of the spout is provided with a plurality of discharge orifices, shown as three in number, these orifices being located some distance apart. The purpose is to enable metal to be simultaneously poured into a number of molds directly from the furnace.

From the description given, the operation will be readily understood. The metal is melted in the chamber 7; and when it is desired to pour the metal, the valve is turned on its axis by means of the hand-wheel 15 and the plug is Withdrawn by means of the lever 16. In closing the valve, pressure may be exerted to force the valve inwardly while the valve is rotated on its axis to grind for itself a proper seat in the valve-seat plug 12. When-desired, the spout may be removed for any necessary or desired purpose.

This gives ready access to the insert valveseat member 12, which can be removed and renewed when necessary.

In the illustration given, the end plate of the furnace is detachably connected, by bolts 28, to an annular angle 29 which is riveted to the end of the steel shell 1.- Removal of the end plate of the furnace gives access to the interior of the furnace to enable the lining to be inserted or renewed.

The improved device may be usefully employed in connection with furnaces of various types. It is especially useful, however, when employed in connection with a rotary or oscillating electric furnace.

If desired the spout may be removed and the tap opening 13 closed by a plug of fireclay; and when the pouring operation is to be performed, the furnace may be stopped when the tap opening is at a point above the level of the metal, the plug may be forced out of the tap opening, and the spout may then be applied. The furnace may then be rotated to carry the spout to the discharging.

position. If desired, the spout may be left on thefurnace, the valve may be removed from the spout, and the tap opening closed by a fire-clay plug; and after the melting operation is completed, the plug may be forced out of the tap opening while the opening is above the level of the slag, and the valve may be introduced and secured in position, after which the furnace may be rotated to bring the spout to the discharging position. The valve may then be opened and the metal discharged without disturbing the slag or causing contamination of the metal.

The foregoing detailed description has been given for clearness of understanding only, and no unnecessary limitation should be understood therefrom, but the appended claims should be construed as broadly as permissible, in view of the prior art.

What I regard as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. The combination with a furnace-body having a wall provided with'a discharge passage and surrounding annular valve-seat, of a discharge spout and a valve associated therewith adapted to abut against said valve-seat and effect sealing of the passage.

2. The combination with a furnace-body having a wall provided with a discharge passage, of a discharge spout carrled by said wall and provided with a stationary valve-guide, and a valve mounted in said guide and adapted to close the passage.

3. The combination with a furnace-body, of a discharge spout mounted on a wall thereof and provided with a discharge passage and with a valve-guide and a valve mounted in said guide and adapted to be turned on its axis.

4. The combination with a furnace-body having a wall provided with a discharge passage and a valve-seat associated with said passage, of a discharge spout and a valve adapted to be rotated on its axis, said valve having a seating portion of abrasive material adapted to grind the valve-seat.

5. The combination with a furnace-body having a wall provided with a discharge passage and an associated valve seat, of a discharge spout, a valve having a seating portion adapted to grind said valve-seat, said valve being rotatable on its axis, means for turning said valve, and means for forcing the valve inwardly, said last-named means permitting the valve to be rotated for grinding purposes.

6. The combination with a furnace-body having a wall provided with a discharge passage and an associated valve-seat, of a discharge spout, a rotatable valve having a portion adapted to grind said seat, means for turning the valve on its axis, a lever for thrusting said valve inwardly, and means for securing the valve in its inwardlythrust position.

7. The combination with a furnace-body having a wall provided with a discharge passage and an associated valve-seat, of a discharge spout, a rotatable valve having a portion adapted to grind said seat, means for turning the valve on its axis, a lever having a thrust-bearing connection with the valve-stem, and means for securing said lever when the valve is in the closed position.

8. The combination with a furnace-body having a wall provided with a discharge passage, of a spout demountably carried by said wall, and a rotary valve mounted on said spout. I

9. The combination with a furnace-body having a wall provided with a'discharge passage, of a spout demountably carried by said wall and provided with a fixed guide, and a valve demountably carried by said spout and working through said guide.

10. The combination with a furnace-body having a wall provided with a discharge passage, of a spout carried by said wall and provided with a fixed valve-guide, and a valve working through said guide and actuating mechanism therefor carried by said spout.

11. The combination with afurnace-body, of a spout equipped with a guide, a rotatable valve mounted in said guide, a lever mounted on said guide and having thrustbearing connection with the stem of said valve, and means secured to the outer end of the stem 01": said valve and adapted to rotate the valve.

12. The combination with a furnace-wall, of a spout equipped with a valve-guide, a rotatable valve in said guide equipped with a carborundum tip, means for rotating said valve, and means for imparting thrust to the valve.

'13. The combination with a furnace-body provided with a discharge passage, an insert valve-seat member having a registering discharge passage and a projecting outer end, a discharge spout into which said insert member projects and which is adapted to receive the discharge from said insert member, and a valve carried by said spout and engaging the valve-seat with which the insert member is provided.

14. The combination with a rotatable furnacebody provided with an end wall having a discharge passage near the periphery of the furnace-body, of a discharge spout detachably secured to said end wall and adapted to communicate with said discharge passage, and a valve carried by said spout and adapted to effect closure of the passage.

15. A furnace-body comprising a refractory lining, a cylindrical metal shell, and a metal end wall therefor comprising a spider and plates secured to said spider, said end drical metal shell, and a metal end wall secured thereto, said end wall being equipped with an annular track for supporting the furnace-body.

17. The combination 01" a furnace-body provided with an end wall having a discharge passage, an insert valve-seat member having a discharge pass? go, said insert member projecting beyond the outer surface of said end wall, a mounting having a baseportion whose upper portion bears against the outer end or said insert member and whose lower portion embraces the insert member, said mounting being provided with a discharge spout and a valve-guide, and a valve mounted in said guide.

18. The combination with a furnace-body having a wall provided with a discharge passage and a surroundingannular valve seat, of a valve adapted to abut against said seat and close said passage and actuating means for said valve.

19. The combination with a furnace-body adapted to turn on its axis and provided at r near its periphery with a discharge passage,and a demountable device comprising a valve adapted to close said passage, and actuating means for said valve, for the purpose set forth.

WILLIAM K. BOOTH. 

